Getting started with new OES
My family and I will be picking our new female (Pippen) OES in 2 weeks. I've read a lot on this board and learned a lot so far. I wanted to ask, what are top 3 things you would say are most important with a new OES puppy (besides house breaking, of course)? The more detail, the better! |
|
|
| Toes. All dogs need to be desensitized around their toes as there are nails to clip and hair to brush. Also getting used to and loving grooming. Initially is it very soft brush, just a few minutes initially, until they learn to trust you and can fall asleep while you groom instead of worrying about the next yank or tug. Also all pups are into chewing, so knowing how to handle those needle sharp teeth clamping into your arm/hand/leg, etc and the need to chew everything in sight because the gums hurt. |
| For me, the most important thing to remember in every interaction is that it will carry over into adulthood. Encourage the good behaviors and discourage the bad ones now, and you'll raise a happy, well-mannered sheepie! As for specifics: discourage any jumping now - it's cute when they're little, but can be a big problem when they're grown. We also have a hard and fast rule that Benson doesn't get anything directly from the counter -- if she gets a "people" treat, we take it to the other side of the kitchen, give her a command, and give it as a reward. She's 3 now, and she hasn't shown any interest in countersurfing yet.  We also introduced her to car travel at an early age. This paid off big time when my brother passed away. We packed her up and drove 40 hours, with only short rest stops. At 8 months old, she made the trip with no problems and no complaints, and it was a huge help for me to have her nearby for comfort. Have fun with your new furbaby, and post lots and lots of pictures!!! |
| I always started plucking the hair from the inside of the ears at young age, They get uprsed to it and grooming is so much easier. Also crate training. Just for the simple fact that she will be used to it in case of vet visit where you may have to leave her, grooming at a salon, a disaster of some sort, it happens and hotels like pets that are crate trained much better. I also get them used to me checking their teeth, gums, and mouth. It helps if they are chewing something they should not , much easier to open mouth and get object. They are like babies, they will put any and everything in their mouth that they find, hair bows, socks, Tupperware, shoes, toilet paper, shampoo bottles, everything !!! Makes it easier for vet that your baby does not get upset that someone has their hand in their mouth. Also get them used to having "private" parts touched as well. Makes it so much easier for the vet to check for lumps and bumps. I never give mine rawhides of any kind, ever. They get mushy and slide down their throat. One got choked on one when I worked at vet office years ago. The people put one in the crate and left. Came home, and well, you know the rest. |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|